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Abstract:

An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a display
unit that displays predetermined information, an imaging unit that is
installed on a right side or left side of a central portion of an upper
frame of an outer frame enclosing the display unit to obtain a pickup
image of a user, and a control unit that detects a face area of the user
from the pickup image obtained by the imaging unit to cut out the face
area containing the detected face area.

Claims:

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising:a display unit that
displays predetermined information;an imaging unit that is installed on a
right side or left side of a central portion of an upper frame of an
outer frame enclosing the display unit to obtain a pickup image of a
user; anda control unit that detects a face area of the user from the
pickup image obtained by the imaging unit to cut out the face area
containing the detected face area.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
imaging unit is installed near one of edges of the upper frame.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe
imaging unit is installed, when viewed from the user, in an upper right
crossing area where the upper frame and a right frame of the outer frame
cross, or an upper left crossing area where the upper frame and a left
frame of the outer frame cross.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe
imaging unit is installed, when viewed from the user, in an upper right
crossing area where the upper frame and a right frame of the outer frame
cross.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a display control unit that displays the predetermined
information near a position where the imaging unit is provided in a
display area of the display unit.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising:a communication unit that performs data communication via a
network; anda display control unit that that displays data obtained via
the communication unit in the display unit as the predetermined
information, whereinthe display control unit displays the predetermined
information near a position where the imaging unit is provided of a
display area of the display unit.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
display control unit displays a face image of a communication partner
performing data communication via the communication unit and a face image
cut out from a pickup image obtained by the imaging unit in the display
unit as the predetermined information.

8. An information processing method for an information processing
apparatus having a display unit that displays predetermined information,
an imaging unit that is installed on a right side or left side of a
central portion of an upper frame of an outer frame enclosing the display
unit, and a control unit, comprising the steps of:obtaining a pickup
image of a user by the imaging unit; anddetecting a face area of the user
from the pickup image obtained by the imaging unit to cut out the face
image containing the detected face area by the control unit.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The present invention relates to an information processing
apparatus, an information processing, and a program.

[0003]2. Description of the Related Art

[0004]Nowadays, information processing apparatuses containing a camera are
widely used. Such an information processing apparatus images, for
example, a user who uses the information processing apparatus and
transmits the pickup image obtained by imaging to another apparatus. The
transmitted pickup image is displayed, for example, in a display screen
or the like of the other apparatus before being used for a TV phone,
videoconferencing and the like between the user using the information
processing apparatus and another user using the other apparatus.

[0005]Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-159061 discloses a
technology about an information processing apparatus containing a camera
in an outer frame enclosing the display screen. The information
processing apparatus disclosed by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 2004-159061 is provided with a pair of cameras at symmetric positions
across the display screen. The information processing apparatus performs
signal processing from two pieces of image data by performing stereo
imaging of the user positioned before the display screen by cameras to
generate an image similar to that when imaged by a camera virtually
arranged in the center of the display screen.

[0006]Incidentally, when the user uses an information processing
apparatus, the information processing apparatus is generally positioned
in a horizontal direction or below the horizontal direction when compared
with the position of the user's face. If, in such a case, the user is
imaged by a camera contained in the information processing apparatus, the
user's face will be imaged at an angle looking up from obliquely below,
leading to a phenomenon in which the user's face is not imaged
charmingly. For example, according to the above technology disclosed by
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-159061, cameras are
contained in the upper frame enclosing the display screen of the
information processing apparatus and thus, the angle at which the cameras
look up at the user will be relatively moderate so that the user's face
imaged by the cameras is expected to be relatively charming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]However, according to the above technology, a camera is contained in
a central portion of the upper frame of the outer frame enclosing the
display screen of an information processing apparatus and thus, there is
an issue that the central portion or a region surrounding the central
portion of the upper frame becomes thicker. Since the user frequently
looks at the center or a region surrounding the center of the display
screen, if the central portion or a region surrounding the central
portion of the upper frame becomes thick, there arises an issue that the
user may find the display screen relatively small while the outer frame
is relatively large. Moreover, if a camera is installed in a position
other than the central portion of the upper frame, there is an issue that
the user imaged by the camera may not be positioned in the center or a
region surrounding the center of an image.

[0008]The present invention has been made in view of the above problems
and it is desirable to provide a novel and improved technology capable of
containing a camera without making a central portion of the upper frame
of an outer frame enclosing a display screen thicker and positioning a
user imaged by the camera near the center of an image.

[0009]According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an information processing apparatus including a display unit
that displays predetermined information, an imaging unit that is
installed on a right side or left side of a central portion of an upper
frame of an outer frame enclosing the display unit to obtain a pickup
image of a user, and a control unit that detects a face area of the user
from the pickup image obtained by the imaging unit to cut out the face
area containing the detected face area.

[0010]The imaging unit may be installed near one of edges of the upper
frame. The imaging unit may be installed, when viewed from the user, in
an upper right crossing area where the upper frame and a right frame of
the outer frame cross, or an upper left crossing area where the upper
frame and a left frame of the outer frame cross.

[0011]The imaging unit may be installed, when viewed from the user, in an
upper right crossing area where the upper frame and a right frame of the
outer frame cross.

[0012]The information processing apparatus may further include a display
control unit that displays the predetermined information near a position
where the imaging unit is provided in a display area of the display unit.
The information processing apparatus may further include a communication
unit that performs data communication via a network, and a display
control unit that that displays data obtained via the communication unit
in the display unit as the predetermined information. The display control
unit may display the predetermined information near a position where the
imaging unit is provided of a display area of the display unit. The
display control unit may display a face image of a communication partner
performing data communication via the communication unit and a face image
cut out from a pickup image obtained by the imaging unit in the display
unit as the predetermined information.

[0013]According to the present invention, as described above, it becomes
possible to contain a camera without making a central portion of the
upper frame of an outer frame enclosing a display screen thicker and to
position a user imaged by the camera near the center of an image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1A is an outline configuration diagram showing an outline
configuration of an information processing apparatus in which a camera
module is installed in a central portion of an upper frame and FIG. 1B is
a diagram showing a pickup image obtained by imaging a user using the
information processing apparatus in which the camera module is installed
in the central portion of the upper frame shown in FIG. 1A by the camera
module;

[0015]FIG. 2A is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of an information processing apparatus in which the camera
module is installed in the central portion of a lower frame and FIG. 2B
is a diagram showing a pickup image obtained by imaging the user using
the information processing apparatus in which the camera module is
installed in the central portion of the lower frame shown in FIG. 2A by
the camera module;

[0016]FIG. 3A is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of an information processing apparatus (1) in which the
camera module is installed in a portion other than the central portion of
the upper frame and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a pickup image obtained
by imaging the user using the information processing apparatus (1) in
which the camera module is installed in a portion other than the central
portion of the upper frame shown in FIG. 3A by the camera module;

[0017]FIG. 4A is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of an information processing apparatus (2) in which the
camera module is installed in a portion other than the central portion of
the upper frame and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a pickup image obtained
by imaging the user using the information processing apparatus (2) in
which the camera module is installed in a portion other than the central
portion of the upper frame shown in FIG. 4A by the camera module;

[0018]FIG. 5A is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of the information processing apparatus (1) according to a
first embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 5B is a diagram
showing a pickup image obtained by imaging the user using the information
processing apparatus (1) according to the first embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 5A by the camera module;

[0019]FIG. 6A is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of the information processing apparatus (2) according to a
first embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 6B is a diagram
showing a pickup image obtained by imaging the user using the information
processing apparatus (2) according to the first embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 5A by the camera module;

[0020]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of
an image display apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;

[0021]FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing how a pickup image by the
information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention is cut out;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the
information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the
information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention; and

[0024]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an operation of the information
processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025]Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,
in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that
have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the
same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural
elements is omitted. Description will be made in the following order.

[0038][1-1. Information Processing Apparatus in Which Camera Module is
Installed in Central Portion of Upper Frame]

[0039]FIG. 1A is an outline configuration diagram showing an outline
configuration of an information processing apparatus in which a camera
module is installed in a central portion of an upper frame and FIG. 1B is
a diagram showing a pickup image obtained by imaging a user using the
information processing apparatus in which the camera module is installed
in the central portion of the upper frame shown in FIG. 1A by the camera
module.

[0040]As shown in FIG. 1A, an information processing apparatus 100
includes a main body 110 and an image display apparatus 130. Hereinafter,
when information processing apparatuses are distinguished based on the
configuration thereof, such information processing apparatuses are
denoted as 100A, 100B, . . . and when information processing apparatuses
are not distinguished, such information processing apparatuses are
denoted as 100. Similarly, when image display apparatuses are
distinguished based on the configuration thereof, such image display
apparatuses are denoted as 130A, 130B, . . . and when image display
apparatuses are not distinguished, such image display apparatuses are
denoted as 130. The main body 110 performs processing such as information
operations and processes. The image display apparatus 130 displays
information obtained by processing of the main body 110.

[0042]The LCD module 132 is a display apparatus as an example of the
display screen and in which liquid crystal devices are integrated.
However, the LCD module 132 is only an example of the display apparatus
and may be another display apparatus.

[0043]The camera module 150 has an image-formation optical system and an
image sensor. An image is formed on the image sensor by the
image-formation optical system to obtain a pickup image by photoelectric
conversion. Pickup images obtained from the image sensor may be moving
images obtained chronologically or still images obtained at a certain
point. The image sensor is configured of, for example, a charge coupled
device (CCD).

[0044]When the user uses the information processing apparatus 100A, as
described above, the information processing apparatus 100A is generally
installed in the horizontal direction or below the horizontal direction
when compared with the position of the user's face. If, in such a case,
the user is imaged from the camera module 150 contained in the
information processing apparatus 100A, the user's face will be imaged at
an angle looking up from obliquely below, leading to a phenomenon in
which the user's face is not imaged charmingly. Since the camera module
150 is contained in the upper frame of the outer frame enclosing the LCD
module 132 in the information processing apparatus 100A, the angle at
which the camera module 150 looks up at the user will be relatively
moderate so that the user's face imaged by the camera module 150 is
expected to be relatively charming.

[0045]As shown in FIG. 1B, a user 210 obtained by being imaged from the
camera module 150 installed at the position shown in FIG. 1A is
relatively charming. Moreover, the angle at which the camera module 150
looks up at a fluorescent lamp 220 is also relatively moderate and thus,
reflection of light of the fluorescent lamp 220 from the user 210 will be
less so that the user 210 is expected to be imaged more vividly.

[0046]In the example shown in FIG. 1A, however, as described above, the
camera module 150 is contained in the central portion of the upper frame
of the outer frame enclosing the LCD module 132 of the information
processing apparatus 100A and thus, the central portion or a region
surrounding the central portion of the upper frame becomes thicker. The
user frequently looks at the center or a region surrounding the center of
the LCD module 132 and thus, if the central portion or a region
surrounding the central portion of the upper frame becomes thick, the
user may find the LCD module 132 relatively small while the outer frame
is relatively large.

[0047][1-2. Information Processing Apparatus in Which Camera Module is
Installed in Central Portion of Lower Frame]

[0048]FIG. 2A is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of an information processing apparatus in which the camera
module is installed in the central portion of a lower frame and FIG. 2B
is a diagram showing a pickup image obtained by imaging the user using
the information processing apparatus in which the camera module is
installed in the central portion of the lower frame shown in FIG. 2A by
the camera module.

[0049]Since, as shown in FIG. 2A, the camera module 150 is contained in
the lower frame of the outer frame enclosing the LCD module 132 in the
information processing apparatus 100B, the angle at which the camera
module 150 looks up at the user will be relatively sharp so that the
user's face imaged by the camera module 150 is expected to be not so
charming.

[0050]As shown in FIG. 2B, the user 210 obtained by being imaged from the
camera module 150 installed at the position shown in FIG. 2A is not so
charming. Moreover, the angle at which the camera module 150 looks up at
the fluorescent lamp 220 is also relatively sharp and therefore,
reflection of light of the fluorescent lamp 220 from the user 210 will
increase so that the use 210 may not be imaged so vividly.

[0051][1-3. Information Processing Apparatus (1) in Which Camera Module is
Installed in a Portion Other Than Central Portion of Upper Frame]

[0052]FIG. 3A is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of the information processing apparatus (1) in which the
camera module is installed in a portion other than the central portion of
the upper frame and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a pickup image obtained
by imaging the user using the information processing apparatus (1) in
which the camera module is installed in a portion other than the central
portion of the upper frame shown in FIG. 3A by the camera module.

[0053]As shown in FIG. 3A, the camera module 150 is installed in an
inclined direction with respect to the user in the information processing
apparatus 100C. Accordingly, it is expected that the camera module 150
will be enabled to image the user in the center or a region surrounding
the center of a pickup image. Since the camera module 150 is contained in
a portion other than the central portion of the upper frame of the outer
frame enclosing the LCD module 132 of the information processing
apparatus 100C, there is no need to make the central portion or a region
surrounding the central portion of the upper frame thicker. Moreover,
since the camera module 150 is contained in the upper frame of the outer
frame enclosing the LCD module 132 in the information processing
apparatus 100C, the angle at which the camera module 150 looks up at the
user will be relatively moderate so that the user's face imaged by the
camera module 150 is expected to be relatively charming.

[0054]As shown in FIG. 3B, while the angle at which the camera module 150
looks up at the fluorescent lamp 220 is relatively moderate, the camera
module 150 is inclined and therefore, reflection of light of the
fluorescent lamp 220 from the user 210 will increase so that the use 210
may not be imaged so vividly.

[0055]In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the camera module 150 of the
information processing apparatus 100C is inclined and thus, the thickness
of the upper frame increases. With an increase in thickness of the upper
frame, the thickness of the information processing apparatus 100C will
increase, resulting in inconvenience for the user to carry the
information processing apparatus 100C.

[0056][1-4. Information Processing Apparatus (2) in Which Camera Module is
Installed in a Portion Other Than Central Portion of Upper Frame]

[0057]FIG. 4(a) is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of the information processing apparatus (2) in which the
camera module is installed in a portion other than the central portion of
the upper frame and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing a pickup image
obtained by imaging the user using the information processing apparatus
(2) in which the camera module is installed in a portion other than the
central portion of the upper frame shown in FIG. 4(a) by the camera
module.

[0058]As shown in FIG. 4(a), the camera module 150 is installed in an
inclined direction with respect to the user in the information processing
apparatus 100D. This is similar to information processing apparatus 100C
shown in FIG. 3A. Accordingly, it is expected that the camera module 150
will be enabled to image the user in the center or a region surrounding
the center of a pickup image. In order to prevent an increase in
thickness of the whole upper frame of the outer frame enclosing the LCD
module 132, the information processing apparatus 100D adopts a
configuration in which the thickness is partially increased for the
location where the camera module 150 is contained. Moreover, since the
camera module 150 is contained in a portion other than the central
portion of the upper frame of the outer frame enclosing the LCD module
132 of the information processing apparatus 100D, there is no need to
make the central portion or a region surrounding the central portion of
the upper frame thicker. Furthermore, since the camera module 150 is
contained in the upper frame of the outer frame enclosing the LCD module
132 in the information processing apparatus 100D, the angle at which the
camera module 150 looks up at the user will be relatively moderate so
that the user's face imaged by the camera module 150 is expected to be
relatively charming.

[0059]As shown in FIG. 4(b), a pickup image obtained by the camera module
150 of the information processing apparatus 100D is similar to that shown
in FIG. 3B. While the angle at which the camera module 150 looks up at
the fluorescent lamp 220 is relatively moderate, the camera module 150 is
inclined and therefore, reflection of light of the fluorescent lamp 220
from the user 210 will increase so that the use 210 may not be imaged so
vividly.

[0060]In the example shown in FIG. 4(a), the frame (the left frame in the
example shown in FIG. 4(b)) where the camera module 150 is contained
becomes thicker, making a visible portion of the LCD module 132 smaller.
This also applies when the camera module 150 is contained in the right
frame. Moreover, efficiency of manufacture is reduced because it is
necessary to manufacture the image display apparatus 130 of the
information processing apparatus 100D containing the camera module 150
separately from the image display apparatus 130 of the information
processing apparatus 100D that does not contain the camera module 150.

[0061]<2. First Embodiment>

[0062]Subsequently, a first embodiment of the present invention will be
described.

[0064]FIG. 5A is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of the information processing apparatus (1) according to
the first embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 5B is a diagram
showing a pickup image obtained by imaging the user using the information
processing apparatus (1) according to the first embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 5A by the camera module.

[0065]As shown in FIG. 5A, the camera module 150 is not installed in an
inclined direction with respect to the user in the information processing
apparatus 100E. Accordingly, the camera module 150 is expected to image
the user in a position other than the center or a region surrounding the
center of a pickup image. However, since the camera module 150 is not
inclined, reflection of light of the fluorescent lamp 220 from the user
will decrease so that the user 210 is expected to be imaged more vividly.
Moreover, since the camera module 150 is contained in a portion other
than the central portion of the upper frame of the outer frame enclosing
the LCD module 132 of the information processing apparatus 100E, there is
no need to make the central portion or a region surrounding the central
portion of the upper frame thicker. Furthermore, since the camera module
150 is contained in the upper frame of the outer frame enclosing the LCD
module 132 in the information processing apparatus 100E, the angle at
which the camera module 150 looks up at the user will be relatively
moderate so that the user's face imaged by the camera module 150 is
expected to be relatively charming.

[0066]As shown in FIG. 5B, reflection of light of the fluorescent lamp 220
from the user will decrease so that the user 210 is more likely to be
imaged vividly. Moreover, the angle at which the camera module 150 looks
up at the user 210 will be relatively moderate so that the user's face
imaged by the camera module 150 is relatively charming.

[0067]However, since the camera module 150 is not installed in an inclined
direction with respect to the user, the user 210 is imaged in a position
apart from the center or a region surrounding the center of a pickup
image. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus
100 is assumed to detect a face region of the user 210 imaged in the
pickup image and to cut out a face image containing the detected face
area.

[0069]FIG. 6A is an outline configuration diagram showing the outline
configuration of the information processing apparatus (2) according to
the first embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 6B is a diagram
showing a pickup image obtained by imaging the user using the information
processing apparatus (2) according to the first embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 6A by the camera module.

[0070]As shown in FIG. 6A, the information processing apparatus 100F is
different from the information processing apparatus 100E in that the
camera module 150 is installed on the right side when viewed from the
user viewing predetermined information displayed in the LCD module 132.
Hereinafter, if not specifically mentioned, the right side or left side
of the image display apparatus 130 or the LCD module 132 refers to the
right side or left side when viewed from the user viewing predetermined
information displayed in the LCD module 132. Therefore, in other
respects, the information processing apparatus 100F is the same as the
information processing apparatus 100E. Basically, the information
processing apparatus 100F has the same properties as those of the
information processing apparatus 100E. The pickup image shown in FIG. 6B
is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 5B.

[0071]However, it is convenient if the camera module 150 is installed on
the right side of the image display apparatus 130 like the camera module
150 of the information processing apparatus 100F. A status menu window to
select an application is generally expanded from the lower left toward
the upper right of the LCD module 132 when viewed from the user viewing
predetermined information displayed in the LCD module 132. Therefore, if
an application window is arranged on the left side of the LCD module 132,
it becomes harder to view the status menu window in the LCD module 132.

[0072]Since the user's face is normally positioned on the front side in
the center or a region surrounding the center of the LCD module 132, the
window of an application used by the user as a main application is
arranged in the center or a region surrounding the center of the LCD
module 132.

[0073]When an application such as a chat is used, a pickup image obtained
by the camera module 150 is displayed, for example, as an image 132c of a
chat window 132a. A pickup image obtained by a camera module of another
apparatus is transmitted by the other apparatus and is displayed, for
example, as an image 132b of the chat window 132a. Therefore, the user of
the information processing apparatus 100 can have a conversation with a
communication partner while confirming a pickup image in which the
communication partner is picked up by the image 132b and a pickup image
in which the user is picked up by the image 132c. While viewing the
window of an application used as a main application, the user generally
confirms the chat window 132a separately from the window.

[0074]For reasons described above, if the chat window 132a is displayed on
the left side of the LCD module 132 in the vicinity of the center
thereof, the chat window 132a will frequently be overlapped with the
start menu window or the window of an application used as a main
application. Therefore, it is convenient to arrange the chat window 132a
on the right side of the LCD module 132.

[0075]If the chat window 132a is arranged on the right side of the LCD
module 132, it is convenient to arrange the camera module 150 at the
position in accordance with the chat window 132a. It is assumed, for
example, that the camera module 150 is installed on the left side or near
the center of the image display apparatus 130 even if the chat window
132a is arranged on the right side of the LCD module 132. In that case,
if the user's face is moved toward the camera module 150, the chat window
132a deviates from the line of sight of the user so that it becomes
difficult for the user to confirm the face of the communication partner.
If the user attempts to view the chat window 132a to confirm the face of
the communication partner, the camera module 150 deviates from the line
of sight of the user so that the user looks to the communication partner
as if to look away.

[0076]The chat window 132a and the like are frequently displayed on the
right side of the LCD module 132 for reasons described above and it is
convenient to correspondingly install the camera module 150 also on the
right side of the image display apparatus 130. Or, the chat window 132a
and the like may be displayed in the vicinity of the camera module 150.
As an acquisition method of installation position information of the
camera module 150, for example, the information processing apparatus 100
may have installation position information of the camera module 150 as
device information. Or, the display position of the chat window 132a may
be decided by estimating the camera position from a pickup face image of
the user. More specifically, the display area is divided into three of
left, middle, and right areas and a face image of the user is imaged each
time the display position is changed. The display area may be divided
into six including upper and lower areas and the number of divisions is
not specifically limited. Then, an image in which the user faces the
front is identified using face recognition technology or the like and
then, the chat window 132a is displayed in the display area from which
the image is obtained. According to this method, there is no need that a
face image is present in the center of an pickup image and the display
area is solely decided on condition that the user's gaze is cast on the
front of the camera. If a face image is not in the center, the face image
may be cut out by the trimming function to display the face image in the
center of a chat window.

[0077][2-3. Configuration of Image Display Apparatus]

[0078]The configuration of an image display apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is an
exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an image display
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The
configuration of an image display apparatus according to the first
embodiment of the present invention will be described below using FIG. 7.

[0079]The image display apparatus 130 includes the LCD module 132, an LCD
housing on which the LCD module 132 is mounted, the camera module 150, a
camera board 151 on which the camera module 150 is mounted, a bezel 141,
and a transparent panel 142. The camera module 150 is fixed by a camera
fixing part 152.

[0080][2-4. Cutout of Pickup Image]

[0081]FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing how a pickup image by an
information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention is cut out. The cutout of a pickup image by an
information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention will be described below using FIG. 8.

[0082]The information processing apparatus 100 detects a face area of the
user 210 from a pickup image 230 and cuts out a face image 240 containing
the detected face area. The information processing apparatus 100 may
transmit the cutout face image 240 to another apparatus used by the
communication partner of the user 210 or display the face image 240 in
the image 132c of the chat window 132a. The transmitted face image 240
may be displayed in a image 132b of a chat window 132a of a display
screen of another apparatus.

[0084]The functional configuration of an information processing apparatus
according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be
described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration
of an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment
of the present invention. The functional configuration of an information
processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention will be described below using FIG. 9.

[0086]The input unit 111 is configured of, for example, an input apparatus
or the like and has a function to accept input of data from the user 210.
In the present embodiment, the input unit 11 has a function to accept
input of, for example, operations to activate various applications from
the user 210.

[0087]The storage unit 112 is configured of, for example, a magnetic
storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), semiconductor storage
device, optical storage device, or magneto-optical storage device. The
storage unit 112 is used to store various programs and data and is
configured of a storage apparatus or the like.

[0088]The communication unit 113 is configured of, for example, a
communication apparatus or the like and is capable of performing
communication with another apparatus used by the communication partner of
the user 210 of the information processing apparatus 100 via the network
300. The communication unit 113 may be capable of performing
communication with another apparatus used by the communication partner of
the user 210 of the information processing apparatus 100 via a dedicated
line.

[0089]The display unit 114 is configured of an apparatus, for example, a
display apparatus such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display apparatus,
liquid crystal display apparatus, plasma display apparatus, EL
(ElectroLuminescence) display apparatus, or lamp capable of visually
notifying the user of obtained information. The display unit 114 is used
to display predetermined information. The predetermined information is
not specifically limited and corresponds, in the above example, to the
chat window 132a. In the above example, the display unit 114 corresponds,
for example, to the LCD module 132.

[0090]The imaging unit 115 is configured of, for example, an imaging
apparatus 931 and has a function to image the user 210 by being installed
in the information processing apparatus 100. The imaging unit 115 is
installed on the right side or left side of the central portion in the
upper frame of the outer frame enclosing the display unit 114 when viewed
from the user 210 viewing predetermined information displayed in the
display unit 114 and is used to obtain a pickup image of the user 210. In
the above example, the imaging unit 115 corresponds, for example, to the
camera module 150 contained in the information processing apparatus 100.

[0091]The imaging unit 115 may be installed near an edge of the upper
frame of the outer frame when viewed from the user 210. That is, the
imaging unit 115 may be installed in an upper right crossing area where
the upper frame and the right frame cross, or an upper left crossing area
where the upper frame and the left frame of the outer frame cross. Since
there are only few cases in which various parts used in the information
processing apparatus 100 are contained in the upper right crossing area
or upper left crossing area, the possibility of the imaging unit 115
coming into contact with various parts is low even if the imaging unit
115 is installed in these areas.

[0092]The imaging unit 115 is preferably installed in the upper right
crossing area where the upper frame and the right frame of the outer
frame cross, when viewed from the user 210. It is preferable to install
the imaging unit 115 in the right frame rather than the left frame
because, as described above, the chat window 132a and the like are
frequently displayed on the right side of the LCD module 132 and it is
convenient to correspondingly install the camera module 150 also on the
right side of the image display apparatus 130.

[0093]The control unit 116 is configured of, for example, a CPU (Central
Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory) and
the like and is used to detect a face area of the user 210 from the
pickup image 230 obtained by the imaging unit 115 to cut out the face
image 240 containing the detected face area. Detection of a face area is
not specifically limited and, for example, the position of eyes of the
user 210 is detected from the pickup image 230 and uses the detected
position of eyes as a reference to determine the position or size of a
face area. If the pickup images 230 are dynamic images obtained
chronologically, a face area can be tracked by face tracking technology.
The face image 240 containing a face area is not specifically limited,
but it is preferable to decide to have the face area positioned in the
center or a region surrounding the center of the face image 240. In the
present embodiment, the face image 240 has a rectangular shape containing
a face area, but may have other shapes such as circular, ecliptic, or the
like.

[0094]In the foregoing, the functional configuration of the information
processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention has been described. Next, the hardware configuration of the
information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of
the present invention will be described.

[0096]Next, the hardware configuration of an information processing
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will
be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware
configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention. The hardware configuration of
an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of
the present invention will be described below using FIG. 10.

[0098]The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control
unit and controls an overall operation in the information processing
apparatus 100 or a portion thereof according to various programs recorded
in the ROM 903, the RAM 905, the storage apparatus 919, or a removable
recording medium 927. The ROM 903 stores programs and operation
parameters used by the CPU 901. The RAM 905 temporarily stores programs
used for execution of the CPU 901 and parameters and the like that change
as appropriate during execution thereof. These units are mutually
connected by the host bus 907 configured of an internal bus such as a CPU
bus.

[0099]The host bus 907 is connected to the external bus 911 such as a PCI
(Peripheral Component Interconnect/Interface) bus via the bridge 909.

[0100]The input apparatus 915 is an operation unit operated by the user
such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, button, switch, and lever. The
input apparatus 915 may also be a remote control unit (the so-called
remocon) using infrared rays or other radio waves or an externally
connected device 929 such as a mobile phone and PDA compatible with
operations of the information processing apparatus 100. Further, the
input apparatus 915 is configured of, for example, an input control
circuit that generates an input signal based on information input by the
user using the above operation unit and outputs the input signal to the
CPU 901. The user of the information processing apparatus 100 can input
various kinds of data into the information processing apparatus 100 and
provide instructions of processing operation by operating the input
apparatus 915.

[0101]The output apparatus 917 is configured of an apparatus, for example,
a display apparatus such as a CRT display apparatus, liquid crystal
display apparatus, plasma display apparatus, EL display apparatus, or
lamp, audio output apparatus such as a speaker and headphone, printer
apparatus, mobile phone, or facsimile capable of visually or aurally
notifying the user of obtained information. The output apparatus 917
outputs, for example, results obtained by various kinds of processing
performed by the information processing apparatus 100. More specifically,
the display apparatus displays, for example, results obtained by various
kinds of processing performed by the information processing apparatus 100
as text or images. The audio output apparatus, on the other hand, outputs
an audio signal configured of reproduced audio data, acoustic data and
the like after the audio signal being converted into an analog signal.

[0102]The storage apparatus 919 is an apparatus for data storage
constituted as an example of the storage unit of the information
processing apparatus 100 and is configured of, for example, a magnetic
storage device such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), semiconductor storage
device, optical storage device, magneto-optical storage device or the
like. The storage apparatus 919 stores programs executed by the CPU 901,
various kinds of data, and acoustic signal data and image signal data
obtained from outside.

[0103]The drive 921 is a reader/writer for recording media and is added to
the information processing apparatus 100 internally or externally. The
drive 921 reads information recorded in the removable recording medium
927 such as an inserted magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical
disk, and semiconductor memory and outputs the information to the RAM
905. The drive 921 can also write a record into the removable recording
medium 927 such as an inserted magnetic disk, optical disk,
magneto-optical disk, and semiconductor memory. The removable recording
medium 927 is, for example, a DVD medium, HD-DVD medium, Blu-ray medium,
CompactFlash (CF) (registered trademark), memory stick, or Secure Digital
memory card (SD memory card). The removable recording medium 927 may also
be, for example, an Integrated Circuit card (IC) on which a non-contact
IC chip is mounted, electronic device or the like.

[0105]The communication apparatus 925 is a communication interface
configured of, for example, a communication device to connect to the
network 300. The communication apparatus 925 is, for example, a
communication card for a wire or wireless LAN (Local Area Network),
communication card for Bluetooth or wireless USB (WUSB), router for
optical communication, router for asymmetric digital subscriber line
(ADSL), or modem for various kinds of communication. For example, the
communication apparatus 925 can transmit/receive acoustic signal or the
like to/from the Internet and other communication devices. The network
300 connected to the communication apparatus 925 is configured of a
network or the like connected by wire or by radio and may be, for
example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared-ray communication, radio wave
communication, or satellite communication.

[0106]The imaging apparatus 931 has an image-formation optical system and
an image sensor. An image is formed on the image sensor by the
image-formation optical system to obtain a pickup image by photoelectric
conversion. Pickup images obtained from the image sensor may be moving
images obtained chronologically or still images obtained at a certain
point. The image sensor is configured of, for example, CCD (Charge
Coupled Device).

[0107]In the foregoing, an example of the hardware configuration that can
realize the function of the information processing apparatus 100
according to the present embodiment of the present invention has been
described. Each of the above components may be made up by using
general-purpose members or by hardware specialized for the function of
each component. Therefore, the hardware configuration to be used can be
changed as appropriate in accordance with the technical level when the
present embodiment is carried out.

[0108]In the foregoing, the hardware configuration of the information
processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention has been described. Next, the operation of an information
processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention will be described.

[0109][2-7. Operation of Information Processing Apparatus]

[0110]Next, the operation of an information processing apparatus according
to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
11 is a flow chart showing the operation of an information processing
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The
operation of an information processing apparatus according to the first
embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 11.

[0111]As shown in FIG. 11, the imaging unit 115 first obtains a pickup
image of the user 210 (step S101). The control unit 116 cuts out the face
image 240 containing a face area from the pickup image obtained by the
imaging unit 115 (step S102). The control unit 116 causes the display
unit 114 to display the cutout face image 240 (step S103). The control
unit 116 transmits the face image 240 to another apparatus used by a
communication partner of the user 210 (step S104). The control unit 116
determines whether the input unit 111 has accepted input of termination
information indicating termination of communication from the user (step
S105). If the control unit 116 determines that input of termination
information has not been accepted ("No" at step S105), the control unit
116 returns to step S101. If the control unit 116 determines that input
of termination information has been accepted ("Yes" at step S105), the
control unit 116 terminates processing.

[0112]In the foregoing, the operation of the information processing
apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention
has been described.

[0113]<3. Modification of Information Processing Apparatus>

[0114]It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various
modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur
depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are
within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

[0115]The information processing apparatus 100 may be provided with a
display control unit that displays predetermined information near the
position where the imaging unit 115 is installed in the display area of
the display unit 114.

[0116]The information processing apparatus 100 may be provided with the
communication unit that performs data communication via the network 300
and a display control unit that that displays data obtained via the
communication unit 300 as predetermined information, which is displayed
by the display control unit near the position where the imaging unit 115
is installed in the display area of the display unit 114.

[0117]The display control unit may display a face image of a communication
partner performing data communication via the communication unit 113 and
a face image cut out from a pickup image obtained by the imaging unit 115
in the display area as predetermined information.

[0118]The present application contains subject matter related to that
disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2008-334346 filed in
the Japan Patent Office on 26 Dec. 2008, the entire content of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.